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herlife | business spotlightHU GH E SO P T IC I A N SI N Cby ann e. butenasLocated in the heart of Delmar, New York, at the famousintersection of Delaware and Kenwood Avenues, sits an oldVictorian home which houses one of the most time-honoredbusinesses in the area—Hughes Opticians. Established in 1987 byThomas Hughes, Sr., a New York State licensed optician and contactlens dispenser, Hughes Opticians has been helping the Capital Regionsee and look better for 25 years. Tom and his son, Tom Jr., bring yearsof experience in the industry, along with a large following of localclientele. With their team of unique employees, the Hughes create anatmosphere that is luxurious and chic, yet has the same aura of friendlinessand ease one sees in many family-owned businesses.The business has achieved such large success that they willbe opening their second location soon in Malta. The new HughesOpticians will be located in Ellsworth Commons, just seven minutesHughesOpticiansDelivering QualityEye Wear inMultiple Locationsfrom downtown Saratoga, and will boast the same designer sunglassesselection featured in the Delmar location at their attached sunglassesbusiness, Tommy Shades.Tom Hughes, Jr. has eagerly followed in his father’s footsteps,building upon the groundwork laid down by Tom Sr. He learned thetrade side-by-side with his father since he was a child. Tom Jr., a graduateof Mater Dei College, is also a New York State licensed opticianand contact lens dispenser. Now that he is taking the reins of the business,he hopes to continue a tradition of impeccable customer service.The business prides itself on having only the best in customer service,lens materials, tints and coatings on the market, the most coveted designerbrands from major metropolitan areas and a friendly and highlytrained staff. Why go anywhere else for your eye care needs?“I was born and raised in this business and was totally focused onit from a young age,” reflected Tom, who always knew that this wasthe profession that spoke to his heart. He refuses to rest on his laurels,expanding and improving the business alongside his father with eachpassing year.Now that the elder Hughes has cut back his time at the office,Tom Jr. is hard at work six days a week making sure all of his clientsobtain the best and most thorough eye exams. Hughes Opticians providesall lens types: single, bifocal, trifocal, progressive and emPower!electronic lenses, offering a variety of additional lens features, tints andcoatings to ensure that your new glasses are made perfectly for you.“Because there are so many fashionable designer frames outthere now, we see more people going from contacts back to glasses,”said Tom Jr. “We carry many exclusive brands that you just can’t getanywhere within a 200-mile radius from here.”Among the top designers in eyewear available at Hughes Opticiansinclude Airlock, Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Dior, Dolce &32 HERLIFEnewyork.com